The term is defined as a person with a "confident, independent and hedonistic attitude" and was inspired by Charlie XCX's album of the same name, released in June. "Brat summer" has become a cultural movement and the word was even adopted by US presidential candidate Kamala Harris in an attempt to attract young voters early in her election campaign.
Dictionary lexicographers analyze social media and other sources to determine which terms should be added to their annual list of new and noteworthy words. Other words that made the list for 2024 are: era - inspired by Taylor Swift's tour - and delulu - a diminutive of the word delusional. This term is used to refer to a completely wrong or unrealistic notion regarding ideas and expectations.
"As many of this year's notable words have been popularised by Generations Z and Alpha, we can confidently say that this is the word of the year that has most 'brat' so far," said Alex Bickroft, Managing Director of Collins.
The "Speed Drive" hit singer, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, enjoyed modest success in the music industry for nearly a decade with tracks like "Claws."
In 2022, however, she hit the big time with the chart-topping album "Crash." His follow-up album, released in June, gave rise to the infamous term that is now included in the dictionary. Charlie, 32, explained earlier that for her the term means a girl who is "changeable" and "honest" with herself.
"You're just like that girl who's a little messy, likes to have fun and maybe says some shit sometimes. Who feels like herself, but maybe also has a breakdown. But it's very honest, very honest. A little bit inconsistent. He does some stupid shit. But he's a brat. You're a brat. That's "brat," the singer says in a video posted on TikTok. | BGNES
